das Ruder
Translation
oar, rudder, helm
Examples
Er ergriff die Ruder und begann zu rudern.
He grabbed the oars and started to row.
Der Kapitän stand am Ruder des Schiffes.
The captain stood at the ship's helm.
Sie hat das Ruder in der Firma übernommen.
She has taken the helm at the company.
Grammar Patterns
das Ruder (oar) the oar He grabbed the oars. (Er ergriff die Ruder.)
am Ruder sein (at the helm) to be in charge The captain is at the helm. (Der Kapitän ist am Ruder.)
das Ruder übernehmen (take the helm) to take control She is taking the helm. (Sie übernimmt das Ruder.)
Similar Words
das Paddel (paddle), das Steuer (helm, steering wheel)
Etymology
From Old High German 'ruodar', related to the English word 'rudder'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'rudder' on a boat. The word also means 'oar'. Both are used to control or move a boat.